King Charles III Describes 'Profound Sorrow,' Sends Love to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Following Queen Elizabeth II's Death
King Charles III addressed the United Kingdom for the first time on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, about the grief following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, just one day earlier at age 96.
Describing his "profound sorrow," Charles told the world in a pre-recorded message, "Throughout her life, Her Majesty the Queen, my beloved mother, was an inspiration and example to me and all our family. And we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family could owe to their mother for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example."
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Charles, seated at his desk next to a portrait of his mother smiling and wearing her favorite color blue, added, "Her dedication and devotion as Sovereign never waivered, through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss."
The new King complimented his mother's combination of an "abiding love of tradition" and her "fearless embrace of progress which makes us great as nations."
King Charles III noted that he will uphold traditions as well as part of his devotion not just to the United Kingdom, but also to the Church of England.
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"As the Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the Constitutional principles at the heart of our nation," he said. "And wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the Realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavor to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life."
Acknowledging that he will no longer have the time to dedicate to some of his favorite charities, King Charles III called on his family members to pick up his new slack.
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“I count on the loving help of my darling wife, Camilla. In recognition of her own loyal public service since our marriage 17 years ago, she becomes my Queen Consort," he said.
King Charles III announced that Prince William now inherits "the Scottish titles that have meant so much" to him, as well as the responsibility of the Duchy of Cornwall and the title of Prince of Wales. He also gave a sweet shoutout to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, despite reported ongoing tensions and estrangement between them.
"With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the center ground where vital help can be given," he said.
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Charles added that he wanted to also "express [his] love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas."
Charles closed his address with a heartfelt thank you to his mother.
“To my darling mama, as you begin your last great journey, I want simply to say this: Thank you. Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years," he said. "May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
Next, see more tributes to Queen Elizabeth II following her death.